How much does teeth whitening cost? The cost of teeth whitening in Australia depends on the method, and each dental practice sets its own fee. Penrith Dental Care currently offers in-chair teeth whitening to new patients for $399, reduced from $800. This guide explains what changes the price, what is usually included and whether health funds help.
What changes the cost of teeth whitening?
- The method. In-chair whitening is done by a dental practitioner in one appointment using a stronger gel. Take-home whitening uses custom trays and gel that you wear at home over one to two weeks. Shop-bought kits cost the least and contain lower-strength ingredients.
- What is included. Some fees cover the whitening only. Others include custom trays and gel for later top-ups.
- The check-up beforehand. A dental examination is needed before whitening, and a professional clean is often recommended first. These may be charged separately.
- How dark the teeth are. Heavier discolouration can need a longer course or a combination of in-chair and take-home whitening.
Teeth whitening cost at Penrith Dental Care
Our current new patient offer for in-chair whitening (Pola in-office or Philips Zoom) is $399, reduced from our usual fee of $800. A dental examination is required first to confirm that whitening is suitable for you, and the offer applies only where whitening is clinically appropriate. The offer is for new patients only, results vary from person to person, and it can be withdrawn at any time. A take-home kit with 10 Pola Day syringes is $300. Full details are on our new patient offers page. See teeth whitening in Penrith and our dental specials.
Does private health insurance cover teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, and many health funds do not pay a benefit for it. Some extras policies do, so check with your fund before you book. The check-up and clean beforehand are usually claimable under general dental.
Is professional whitening worth the cost compared with a kit?
Only registered dental practitioners can use whitening products containing more than 6% hydrogen peroxide, so professional whitening works faster and more predictably than shop-bought kits. It also starts with an examination, which finds problems that should be treated first and tells you whether whitening will work on your type of discolouration. Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings. Read professional teeth whitening vs at-home kits and teeth whitening at home.
How long do whitening results last?
Results vary from person to person. Tea, coffee, red wine and smoking bring staining back sooner. Good brushing, regular professional cleans and occasional top-ups help keep teeth lighter for longer.
Teeth whitening cost FAQs
Why do whitening prices vary so much between dentists?
Practices use different whitening systems and include different things in the fee. When comparing, ask what method is used, whether trays and top-up gel are included, and whether the examination is extra.
Is cheap teeth whitening suitable?
Price is not the issue. What matters is that your teeth and gums are checked first and that the product is used as intended. Whitening over untreated decay or cracks can cause pain.
Can everyone have their teeth whitened?
No. Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with untreated decay, gum disease or cracked teeth. It is also not suitable for young children.
Book a whitening consultation in Penrith
Call Penrith Dental Care on (02) 4733 1197 or book online. We are at 42 Castlereagh Street, Penrith.
Fees and offers can change. The fee for your treatment is confirmed before it starts. Results vary between individuals.
Source: Healthdirect Australia, Teeth whitening (last reviewed February 2025). This article is general information only and does not replace an assessment with a registered dental practitioner.
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.
Reviewed by Mina Gibryal, Penrith Dental Care, October 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.